Blame it on Andrew Lloyd Weber

Director Joel Schumacher has revealed that it was composer Andrew Lloyd Weber who decided not to have Michael Crawford on board the film version of his superb musical "The Phantom Of the Opera". The lead role is played by Scottish 35-year old Gerard Butler.

Michael Crawford, 61, created the role of the Phantom on the British stage 18 years ago.

"The Phantom Of The Opera" is expected to debut in the UK on December 10. KRS Film Dist. will be releasing the film a few days later, ahead of the film's unveiling in US cinemas.